Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency

Weather

Governor Phil Murphy today declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency beginning at noon on Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Harper, authorizing the State Director of Emergency Management to activate and coordinate response and recovery efforts. Executive Order No. 50 indicates a state of emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, and allows resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.

ICYMI: Murphy Administration Reminds Residents to Take Steps to Protect Their Health During Winter Weather

Weather

With New Jersey expecting its first winter storm of the year this weekend, the New Jersey Department of Health would like to remind residents to prepare for possible power outages and hazardous conditions.

Governor Phil Murphy and Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina today sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging his administration to allow U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers to receive federal food assistance through a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) fund. Due to the partial government shutdown, Coast Guard servicemembers have not been paid since December 31, 2018.

Governor Phil Murphy today visited Ross Street Elementary School in Woodbridge to discuss how full funding of New Jersey’s public schools stands to provide relief for property taxpayers, as well as improve the educational experience for students and educators.

ICYMI: NJBPU Approves State’s First Community Solar Pilot Program Rules

Economy & Jobs

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved the three-year Community Solar Energy Pilot Program Rules, a key component of Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy agenda. Community solar will make solar available to more state residents by allowing customers of an electric public utility to participate in a solar project not actually located on their property. Instead, the system can be located in the subscriber’s electric utility service territory.

Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride today issued a bulletin encouraging entities regulated by the department to work with and assist New Jersey residents affected by the federal government shutdown.

Governor Phil Murphy today released his plans for developing capped and targeted tax incentive programs as part of his economic development vision, with a focus on innovative, high-growth sectors and world-class communities.

Governor Murphy Announces Kathleen Frangione as Acting Chief of Staff

Appointments

Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Kathleen Frangione, currently Chief Policy Advisor to the Governor, will serve as Acting Chief of Staff. Frangione will succeed outgoing Chief of Staff Pete Cammarano, who will transition back to the private sector and whose last day in the Governor’s Office will be today, Tuesday, January 15th.

To better align secondary, post-secondary, and adult education and occupational training to the unique needs of Garden State employers, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced a Notice of Grant Opportunity (NGO) today in the amount of $3,000,000 to promote upward mobility and economic fairness through the newly formed Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) Training Program.

ICYMI: N.J. Department of Human Services: February SNAP Benefits to be Paid January 19

Other

The New Jersey Department of Human Services announced today that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will be receiving their February benefits early because of the continued federal government shutdown.

New Jersey Leaders React to the Office of the State Comptroller’s Performance Audit of the Economic Development Authority's Tax Incentives Programs

Other

“State resources of this magnitude would have kept people in their homes and should have been used make NJ a more affordable place for all. During the time that $11 billion in tax incentives were being distributed, nonprofit community developers were working with a very modest tax credit to strengthen communities, create jobs, and build affordable homes.

Governor Murphy Announces Second Round of Funding of $27 Million in Preschool Expansion Aid to 33 School Districts

Education

Governor Phil Murphy today announced a second round of state funding to create or expand preschool programs in 33 school districts – marking the first time those communities have received state aid for preschool.

Response of Governor Murphy to President Trump's Border Wall Address

Statements

“President Trump continues to mislead to justify his nonsensical and damaging shutdown. There is a much better and smarter way for us to invest $5 billion than an impractical non-starter of a wall. The Gateway Project would do more to create jobs, promote economic and national security, and build critically needed 21st century infrastructure. Enough of the misguided rhetoric that is hurting our economy and our people, and making us less safe. Let’s get the government open and get to work to get Gateway done.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Enhance Safety and Security at Schools, Houses of Worship, and Community Centers

Bill Action

Governor Phil Murphy today signed two pieces of legislation to enhance the safety and security of New Jersey residents at schools, houses of worship, and community centers. Assembly Bill No. 4597 makes a supplemental appropriation of $11,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education to increase per pupil funding for nonpublic security aid from $75 to $150, and Assembly Bill No. 3906 makes a revision to the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program to expand the type of protective measures that can be installed or constructed at houses of worship and community centers.

This Week in New Jersey: January 4, 2019

Governor Murphy Directs U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Assembly Majority Leader Albert Burstein

Executive Orders

Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, January 7, 2019, in recognition of the passing of former Assembly Majority Leader Albert Burstein.